A--HIGH-TEMPERATURE COMPOSITES AND ADHESIVES FOR REDUCED-MASS AEROSHELLS

NASA/LaRC has a requirement to build several additional large-scale test panels, and fabricate several system-level aeroshell prototypes under an existing NASA Research Announcement (NRA 02-OSS-01) award that LaRC received in 2002. The additional test panels and prototypes will require additional work, part of which will be performed under existing NASA Contract NAS1-03058. This contract was initiated to identify candidate thermal protection system (TPS) materials known as ablators, and to conduct TPS ablation response analysis. The contract was initiated as part of NASA LaRC's research effort under NRA 02-OSS-01, entitled - Research Opportunities in Space Science - 2002. This NRA solicited proposals for supporting research and technology across a broad range of space science program elements relevant to one or more of the four defined Office of Space Science (OSS) science themes, entitled Astronomical Search of Origins, Solar Systems Exploration, Structure and Evolution of the Universe, and The Sun-Earth Connection. NASA/LaRC intends to issue a contract modification on a sole source basis to Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) to support the fabrication of additional test panels and prototypes which must include application of TPS materials to enable evaluation at the system level. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition is 10 U.S.C. 2304(c) (1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, - Only one responsible source. Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) was competitively selected as partner on the NRA/OSS project, resulting in the NASA Contract NAS1-03058, based on their unique experience and capability to support the advanced material evaluations and tests required by Langley. The TPS materials of interest (SRAM and PhenCarb) are proprietary to ARA, and are not available from any other source. ARA has unique knowledge of the handling, processing, testing, and performance characteristics of SRAM and PhenCarb materials, which is essential to the success of the project. The Government does not intend to acquire a commercial item using FAR Part 12. See Note 26. An Ombudsman has been appointed. See NASA Specific Note "B". Oral communications are not acceptable in response to this notice. All responsible sources may submit an offer which shall be considered by the agency. See note 22. Any referenced notes may be viewed at the following URLs linked below. Any questions should be directed to Gloria C. Carney at +1 (555) 000-0000 or by email:contact@example.gov